NEW YORK (TIP): The Taxi and Limousine Commission on December 8 unanimously approved a package of rules that will create a framework for a city wheelchair accessible dispatch system that will allow people to request a wheelchair accessible yellow or green taxicab -or WAV- anywhere in the City of New York, and at the standard metered rate of fare. People will be able to request this service in multiple ways -from an easily downloaded app that we will announce in the near future, to texts, e-mails and phone calls. The service is expected to be getting underway in the early months of 2017.

Accessible Dispatch Program began in 2012, with less than 240 wheelchair-accessible vehicles on the road. The successful program is currently only able to serve passengers requesting rides from Manhattan to any destination in the five boroughs. There are now more than 1,200 wheelchair-accessible medallion taxis moving the riding public, an increase of over 350% since the program’s inception, and almost 600 wheelchair accessible green cabs on the road.

“Today’s vote was the culmination of tremendous effort, but it is really only the beginning,” said TLC Chair Meera Joshi. “We are anxious to continue the process of bringing this safe, convenient service of matching passengers with yellow and green cabs to New Yorkers and visitors alike, and hopeful that the creation of this never-before-available option will make a positive difference in people’s lives, as the current program has for so many.”

The service will be available to users beginning in the spring of 2017. Prospective users will not need to reserve ahead of time and may “hail” a wheelchair-accessible yellow medallion taxicab by calling 311, the dispatch center, texting a request, or using the Accessible Dispatch smartphone app.